"We're putting them offside with the justice system, even landing people in the remand centre periodically, at precisely the time when a bus pass would have been the thing that got them the services they need to turn things around," Iveson said.

Catherine Broomfield, executive director of iHuman Youth Society, says they often counsel youth who don't have the money to pay for an LRT ticket to make their court-mandated appointments.

She says the PATH program has allowed them to keep their appointments without risking a fine.

"This gives young people empowerment," Broomfield said. "They're making healthy choices and following through on decisions and consequences that they need to."

Since January, 1,400 people have received one of the passes through the program.